Unknowingly Yours

52

After work, Yeji and I decided to go out for dinner. No particular reason, I just wanted to take her to my favorite Chinese place.

"Hey Ryujin" the owner greets me.

"Hey, how are you doing?"

"Not too bad. Hiding from the wife so I'm working tonight" he laughs.

"What did you do this time?" I ask while we follow him to our seats.

"Breathe" he says with a smile.

"Oh by the way, this is Yeji. My girlfriend."

"Oh, nice to meet you" he shakes her hand.

Yeji and I both sit down after the introduction.

"So water for you" he points at me, "What can I get you to drink?" He focuses on Yeji.

"Water is good, thank you."

"You come here a lot?" Yeji ask as soon as the owner is gone.

"Used to but not much lately" I say.

"You seem close with them though" she looks around.

"Its a family place. When they noticed I ate here a lot, they started talking to me and we share things about our lives. You know, just casual conversations throughout the years" I say.

The owner comes back with our drinks.

"My daughter is at the back. Do you mind if I tell her that you're here? Last time she was here, she didn't get to see you because you left already" he says.

"Yea, that's not a problem at all. It's been a while" I smile.

"Great" he says then leaves.

"His daughter? Should I be worried?" Yeji frowns.

"I don't think so? I'd be shocked if she bothers you" I say.

"Ryujin!" The owner's daughter runs towards us then sits next to me to give me a hug.

"Wow, look at you. I can't even recognize you. How old are you now? 24? 25?" I hug her back.

"I'm ten" she pouts.

I chuckle, "I know. I'm just messing with you."

"Hey Hani, let me introduce you to my girlfriend" I say.

"Where?" She looks around the place and I notice Yeji seems confused.

"She's right in front of you" I say.

Hani finally looks at Yeji, "There's no way. She's too pretty to date you."

"Wink if you're being held here against your will" Hani leans forward over the table and loudly whispers to Yeji.

"I'm really her girlfriend" Yeji smiles at her.

Hani sits back down properly, "Wow, the world must be ending."

"Hey, I'm not that bad" I lightly push her.

"I know" she laughs, "I'm Hani" she looks at Yeji.

"I'm Yeji. How did you and Ryujin get so close?"

"I just remembered her being here a lot and sometimes she would play with me when I was younger" Hani answers.

"Do you want to join us for dinner, Hani?" Yeji ask.

"I already ate but thank you. I just wanted to say hi to Ryujin. Be good to her. She may look tough but she's a softy" Hani stands up.

"I will. I know how soft she is" Yeji winks.